Indian Air Force Aircraft Brings Home the Bodies of the 45 Victims of Kuwait Fire Tragedy

An Indian Air Force aircraft has touched down in Kerala, carrying the mortal remains of 45 Indian individuals who lost their lives to a catastrophic fire that engulfed a building in Mangaf, Kuwait. This tragic incident claimed the lives of at least 48 individuals, with 33 others currently hospitalized. The aircraft, initially bound for Delhi after its stop in Kochi, also transported Kirti Vardhan Singh, Member of Parliament for Gonda and newly appointed junior minister in the foreign ministry, who promptly journeyed to Kuwait to oversee the repatriation efforts.

Upon arrival in Kuwait, Singh engaged with local authorities and visited hospitals where the injured were receiving treatment. The embassy disclosed that the injured would be released from medical care gradually, based on their recovery progress. During his stay, Singh conferred with Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister, who pledged comprehensive assistance to expedite the repatriation process.

Identification of the deceased posed a significant challenge due to severe burns, prompting authorities to conduct DNA tests for confirmation. Kuwaiti officials confirmed the identities of 48 bodies, with 45 belonging to Indian nationals and three to Filipino citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following a thorough review of the situation, announced a compensation package of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who perished in the blaze.

Meanwhile, investigations are underway to ascertain how over 160 individuals came to reside in the building, raising concerns about housing safety regulations in Kuwait. The victims hailed from various Indian states, with the majority from Kerala, and others from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana. As the nation grapples with this tragedy, efforts are underway to provide support to the affected families and ensure a dignified return for their loved ones.​